Monday, February 01, 1999
Big plans riding on school tax vote
Middletown/Monroe seeking $97 million
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MIDDLETOWN — Major changes in the organization of the Middletown/Monroe schools are expected if voters approve a 5.95-mill bond issue Tuesday in a special election.
The $97.4 million bond issue would provide money to repair or rebuild schools and improve instruction. It was developed by more than 1,000 people during a three-year period, said Frank Chapman, co-chairman of the committee working toward passage of the issue.
“All of the recommendations — all-day kindergarten, smaller classes, neighborhood schools and teacher training — can be realized by approval
of this bond issue,” Mr. Chapman said. “The physical changes proposed support the educational plan.”
The plan calls for smaller class sizes in the elementary buildings, five middle schools for grades 5-8, major upgrades at several buildings, construction of two elementary schools and classroom additions at four others. About 15 percent of the proceeds are slated for improvements to Lemon-Monroe High School and Monroe Elementary.
If approved, the owner of a house with a market value of $100,000 would pay $187 in new taxes each year for 29 years.
Under the proposal, Jefferson, Mayfield, Oneida and Central Academy would close, but two elementary schools would be built on property at Amanda and Jefferson schools.
Classroom additions would be built at Creekview, Monroe, Rosedale and Wildwood elementary schools. Older sections at Lemon-Monroe High School would be demolished and rebuilt, while Middletown and Garfield high schools would be remodeled.
The bond issue has received support from the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Middletown City Commission and Monroe City Council. AK Steel provided $50,000 to develop and distribute a 15-minute video explaining the bond issue. It was mailed to 9,100 households.
The Committee on Reviewing Education, a Monroe group working to form its own school district, has taken a neutral position on the bond issue.
If the bond issue is approved, it would take about five years to complete construction and reorganization of the schools, Mr. Chapman said.
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